DISNEY-ABC TELEVISION GROUP'S CASTING DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES A NEW INITIATIVE AS PART OF ITS 22nd ACTORS SHOWCASE SUPPORTING AND CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR DIVERSE TALENT

An Industry First, Actors Will Receive a Network Mentor for One Year

In Addition to the Continuing Opportunity to Audition for ABC's Primetime Current Series and Pilots

11 Actors to Perform in Los Angeles for Industry and Network Executives on November 19

As part of its continuing effort to find and develop culturally and ethnically diverse talent and actors with disabilities, Disney-ABC Television Group's Casting Project will hold its 22nd showcase featuring promising upcoming actors. The showcase will take place at the El Portal Theatre Center for the Performing Arts, on WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19.

An unprecedented first in the industry, all 11 actors will be assigned a network executive from the Casting Department who will act as their mentor. The mentor will help nurture their talents and provide guidance and advice throughout the year. As in past years, each showcase participant will also audition throughout the year for ABC's current series and pilots.

The showcase is spearheaded by Keli Lee, executive vice president, Casting; Ayo Davis, vice president, Casting; Randi Chugerman, executive director, Casting; and the Los Angeles Casting Department. It is produced in partnership with the Disney ABC Talent Development Department, AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Artists Guild), East West Players, Media Access Office, Nosotros, the Robey Theatre and SAG (Screen Actors Guild).

"We are proud to present our 22nd showcase in Los Angeles, and the incredibly talented group of actors this year," said Ms. Lee. "The success and duration of the showcase reflects our ongoing commitment to diversity."

Eleven actors were selected from among more than 3000 candidates who submitted their resumes and over 600 who were auditioned. Casting directors, talent agents and other industry professionals will view a series of one-act vignettes performed by the actors and directed by Sue Hamilton and Joseph Ward. The showcase is not open to the public. Past participants include Jorge Garcia from "Lost," Carrie Ann Inaba from "Dancing with the Stars" and Monique Gabriela Curnen ("The Dark Night") and ABC's upcoming primetime drama "The Unusuals."

The talented actors to be featured are Tish Hicks, Bryan Keith, Jenn Liu, Tiffany Lowery, Geno Monteiro, Emily-Grace Murray, Juan Pacheco, Eddy Rioseco, Mylinda Royer, Amol Shah and Ellen Williams.